Switch actuator pivotal means for a cam operated timer switch assembly

ABSTRACT

A timer switch capable of performing a timed-sequence electrical function includes a switch actuator pivotal support means that positions a switch actuator in spaced relation to a cam means and provides pivotal support for the switch actuator.

United States Patent "[191 Human et al.

[ SWITCH ACTUATOR PIVOTAL MEANS FOR A CAM OPERATED TIMER SWTTCH ASSEMBLY [75] Inventors: William N. Homan; Richard W.

Stafford, both of Clayton, Ind.

[73] Assignee: P. R. Mallory & C0. llnc.,

Indianapolis, Ind.

22 Filed: July 30,1973

[21] Appl. No: 383,577

[52] 11.8. (ll 200/38 R, 200/38 B, 200/153 T, I 200/168 R, 200/172 A [51] Int. Cl. H01h 43/10, HOlh 3/02 [58] Field of Search 200/38 R, 38 B, 38 BA, 200/38 C, 38 CA, 153 T, 168 R, 172 R, 172

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,511,271 6/1950 Kaminky et al 200/172 A X 3,569,992 3/1971 Papa, Jr. et a1. 200/38 BA 3,678,225 7/1972 Hulterstrum ZOO/38 BA Primary Examiner-James R. Scott Attorney, Agent, or FirmRichard H. Childress; Charles W. Hoffmann; Robert F. Meyer [5 7] ABSTRACT A timer switch capable of performing a timedsequence electrical function includes a switch actuator pivotal support means that positions a switch actuator in spaced relation to a cam means and provides pivotal support for the switch actuator.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures SWITCH ACTUATOR PIVOTAL MEANS FOR A CAM'OPERATED TIMER SWITCH ASSEMBLY Generally speaking the present invention relates to a switch acutator pivotal means positioning a switch actuator in accurate spaced relation to a cam means and providing pivotal support for the switch actuator wherein the switch actuator is of the type that activates apush-button switch in response to a cam means. And, more particularly the invention relates to a timer switch capable of performing a timed-sequence electrical function that utilizes the switch actuator pivotal means described above.

The present invention employs a novel modular construction concept wherein each module includes one or two push-button switches and a switch actuator for each switch. The modules include alignment means for aligning one module to a housing means and for aligning modules with one another. The modules also include switch actuator pivotal means for positioning each switch actuator in accurate spaced relation to a cam means and for providing pivotal support for each switch actuator. Each module may include a pushbutton switch responsive to one cam through a switch actuator or may include two push-button switches responsive to two cams through two switch actuators.

Many industrial timer switches utilize a small number of switches and cams in frames made for more cams andswitches; For example, a timer switch with 'two cams and two switches may be desired, however the timer switch may be available only in a frame size that can accomodate five cams and five switches. In this example, wasted material and space results with the three empty cam switch spaces.

According to the present invention a timer switch may be built up with the exact number of cams, switch actuators, and switches desired for any one application. One or more modules may be combined to comprise a timer switch with no wasted space or frame material.

Another novel characteristic of the present invention is the switch actuator pivotal means. A first switch actuator is constructed to pivot about the outer periphery of a boss extending from a rear housing. The first switch actuator also includes a pivotprojection that pivots inside an aperture in a boss extending from the first modular frame member. A second modular frame member may be added, wherein a second switch actuator pivots about the outer periphery of the boss extending from the first modular frame member. The second switch actuator also includes a pivot projection that pivots inside an aperture in a boss extending from the second modular frame member. This type of assembly continues as more modular frame members, switch actuators, and switches are added. The resulting timer switch is simply fabricated, easy to assemble, and lends itself readily to modular construction.

Accordingly, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a switch actuator pivotal means that positions one or more switch actuators in spaced relation to a cam means and provides pivotal support for the switch actuators. Another feature of the present invention is to provide a timerswitch capable of performing a timed sequence electrical function which utilizes a switch actuator pivotal means positioning one or more switch actuators in spaced relation to a cam means and provides pivotal support for the switch actuators. An-

other feature of the present invention is to provide a timer switch capable of performing a timed-sequence electrical function which includes an alignment means aligning a modular frame member to a housing and also aligning modular frame members to one another. Another feature of the present invention is to provide a timer switch capable of performing a timed-sequence electrical function which includes switch location means locating one or two push button switches in a modular frame member. Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide a timer switch capable of performing a timed-sequence electrical function which can carry for each modular frame member two fixed cams that activate two push-button switches through two switch actuators. Another feature of the present invention is to provide a timer switch capable of performing a timed-sequence electrical function which can carry for each modular frame member one adjustable cam unit, that activates one push-button switch through one switch actuator.

These and other features will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a timer switch that utilizes modular frame members, switch actuators, and pushbutton switches;

FIG. 2 is an exploded pictorial view of a modular frame member, a switch actuator, and a push-button switch as utilized in the timer of FIG. 1, but shown rotated from the position of the corresponding elements in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the timer switch shown in FlG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along 44 of the timer switch shown in FIG. 3;

FlG. 5 is a partial sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the timer switch shown in FIG. 4.

Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a timer switch capable of performing a timed-sequence electrical function. The timer switch includes a housing means, a shaft rotatably journaled in the housing means, a cam means carried on the shaft, and at least one push-button switch responsive to the cam means. The timer switch also includes at least one modular frame member and an alignment means accurately locating the modular frame member to the housing means. Also included in the timer switch is a switch location means locating each push-button switch in relation to a modular frame member. The timer switch further includes a switch actuator pivotal means that positions at least one switch actuator in accurate spaced relation to the cam means and provides pivotal support for each of the switch actuators wherein the switch actuator pivotal means includes a plurality of bosses, at least one of the bosses extending from a surface of the modular frame member and another of the bosses extending from the housing means, and each of the switch actuators actuates one of the push-button switches in response to at least one cam of the cam means. Each switch actuator comprises a blade, a channel disposed, on the blade near a distal end thereof, an aperture disposed in a side wall of the channel, and a pivot projection means protruding from another side wall in a direction substantially coincident with the central axis of the aperture wherein the aperture is pivoted around the outer periphery of one of the bosses of the switch actuator pivotal means and the pivot projection means pivots inside an aperture in one of the bosses.

. 3 Referring now to FIG. 1 a timer switch basically comprises a housing means 12, a shaft 14, a drive means 16, a cam means 18, at least one push-button switch 20, at least one modular frame member 22, an

alignment means 54, a switch location means 26, a switch actuator pivotal means 28, and a switch actuator 30.

Housing means 12 includes a rear housing 32 and a front plate 34. Rear housing 32 may be of a molded thermoset material, and the front plate 34 may be fabricated from sheet metal. The materials for housing means 12 are by no means limited to those materials suggested herein. Shaft 14 is rotatably journaled for rotation in front plate 34 and rear housing 32. Drive means 16, comprising a permanent magnet synchronous gear motor 40, is suitably carried on rear housing 32 by a mounting means 42. Mounting means 42 comprises screws 44. Drive means 16 is coupled for rotation through a gear train 46 and a clutch 48 to shaft 14. Cam means 18 is fixedly carried on shaft 14 and includes fixed'cams 50 and adjustable cams 52. The timer switch 10 may be built with one or more of either fixed cams 50 or adjustable cams 52 or any combination thereof. The fixed cams 50 have fixed cam profiles whereas the adjustable cams 52 each include two adjustable members 51 and 53 that cooperate to provide a variety of profiles.

A modular frame member 22 is shown separately in FIG. 2 and in combination with other modular frame members in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Modular frame member 22 includes alignment means 54, switch location means 26 and switch actuator pivotal means 28. Alignment means 54 includes a plurality of tabs 56 extending in a direction generally parallel to the central axis A of shaft 14, and tab apertures 58 capable of receiving tabs 56 upon proper assembly of modular frame members 22.

A plurality of modular frame members 22 may be assembled into a bank 36. Four modular frame members 22 comprise the bank in FIGS. 1 and 3, however, any plurality of modular frame members may comprise bank 36. Switch location means 26 includes switch holes 60, frame holes 62, frame slots 64, and a plurality of screws 44. Switch holes 60 are capable of aligning with frame holes 62 and frame slots 64 so that screws may be inserted through front plate 34, modular frame members 22, push-button switches 20, and rear housing 32. Screws 44 may be secured with nuts 66 or may be threaded into rear housing 32.

Switch actuator 30 is shown in FIG. 2 in its general relationship to modular frame member 22. Each switch actuator 30 comprises a blade 68, a channel 70, an aperture 72 disposed in a left side wall 74 of channel 70, a pivot projection means 76 extending from a right side wall 78 of channel 70, a follower tip 80, and at least one adjustment notch 82. Pivot projection means 76 comprises a tab 77 formed as part of right side wall 78. A

of bosses 84. A boss axle 88 is substantially an external cylindrical surface 92 comprising the outer periphery of each of bosses 84. Either one or two switch actuators are located between two modular frame members 22 or between a modular frame member 22 and rear housing 32. As FIG. 5 shows. the pivot projection means 76 of each switch actuator 30 fits into and is pivotable in one boss aperture 86. And, aperture 72 of each switch actuator 30 fits onto and is pivotable about one boss axle 88. The aperture 72 of switch actuator 30 immediately adjacent to rear housing 32 pivots around a housing boss 98 extending from rear housing 32. Each switch actuator 30 in the timer switch 10 is responsive to a fixed cam 50 or an adjustable cam unit 52. A button 94 on each push-button switch is contacted by a portion of one actuator 30 between follower tip and adjustment notch 82. The follower tip 80 of each actuator 68 contacts a cam profile 96 on either one fixed cam 50 or one adjustable cam unit 52.

In operation, drive means 16 activates gear train 46 which turns shaft 14. Cam means 18 rotates along with shaft 14. Each switch actuator 30 contacting a cam profile 96 through follower tip 80 responds to the profile by pivoting a predetermined angle about switch actuator pivotal means 28. Upon pivoting away from cam means 18, switch actuator 30 depresses button 94 of push-button switch 20 and causes electrical contacts (not shown) internal to the push-button switch to open or close. Upon pivoting toward cam means 18, actuator 30 releases button 94, and again causes electrical contacts internal to the switch to open or close.

For any one switch actuator 30, the spaced relationship between the follower tip 80 on that switch actuator, the corresponding fixed or adjustable cam 50 or 52, and the button 94 of the corresponding push-button switch 20 can be altered by bending switch actuator 30 with a suitable tool at adjustment notch 82.

What is claimed is:

l. A timer switch capable of performing a timedsequence electrical function comprising:

a. a housing means;

b. a shaft rotatably-journaled in said housing means;

c. a drive means carried on said housing means activating said shaft;

d. a cam means carried on said shaft;

e at least one push-button switch responsive to said cam means;

f. at least one modular frame member;

g. alignment means accurately locating said modular frame member to said housing means;

h. switch location means locating said push-button switch in relation to said modular frame member;

i. at least one switch actuator capable of activating at least one of said push-button switches in response to said cam means.

j. switch actuator pivotal means positioning at least one of said switch actuators in accurate spaced relation to said cam means and providing pivotal support for each of said switch actuators, said switch actuator pivotal means including a plurality of bosses, at least one of said bosses extending from a surface of said modular frame member and another of said bosses extending from said housing means, a central longitudinal axis of each of said bosses being substantially parallel to the rotational axis of said shaft, each of said switch actuators actuating one of said push-button switches in response to at least one cam of said cam means;

k. said switch actuator comprising a blade, a channel disposed on said blade near a distal end thereof, an aperture disposed in a side wall of said channel, a

pivot projection means protruding from another side wall in a direction substantially coincident with the central axis of said aperture, said aperture pivoted around the outer periphery of one of said bosses of said switch actuator pivotal means, and said pivot projection means pivoted inside an aperture in one of said bosses.

2. The timer switch according to claim 1 including a bank of said modular frame members wherein said alignment means furthermore accurately locates each of said modular frame members in relation to each other.

3. The timer switch according to claim 1 wherein said housing means comprises a rear housing and a front plate; said rear housing carrying said drive means and including at least one of said bosses, and said front plate journaled for rotation of said shaft.

4. The timer switch according to claim 2 wherein said alignment means comprises tabs in each of said modular frame members inserted into mating tab apertures in each of said frame members and also in said housing means and a plurality of screws passing through frame holes and frame slots in said modular frame members and said housing means securing them together.

5. The timer switch according to claim ll wherein said switch location means includes at least one frame hole in each of said modular frame members corresponding in size to at least one hole through an end of said pushbutton switch and at least one screw passing through said frame hole, and through said hole in said pushbutton switch securing said push-button switch to said modular frame member.

6. The timer switch according to claim 1 wherein said pivot projection means comprises a tab formed as part of said side wall of said actuator.

7. Switch actuator pivotal means positioning at least one switch actuator in accurate spaced relation to a cam means and providing pivotal support for said switch actuator, said switch actuator being of the type that actuates a push-button switch in response to a cam means, comprising:

a. a channel located near a distal end of said switch actuator including an aperture disposed in a side wall of said channel, and a pivot projection means protruding from the other side wall in a direction substantially coincident with the central axis of said aperture;

b. a modular frame member positioning at least one switch actuator in accurate relation to said cam means;

c. a first boss protruding from said modular frame member having an aperture therein,

d. said pivot projection means of said switch actuator pivoted inside said aperture in said first boss, and said aperture of said switch actuator pivoted around the outer periphery of a second boss that is substantially the same physical size and shape of said first boss, said second boss being located external to said modular frame member.

8. The actuator pivotal means according to claim 7 wherein said pivot projection means comprises a tab formed as part of said side wall of said actuator. 

1. A timer switch capable of performing a timed-sequence electrical function comprising: a. a housing means; b. a shaft rotatably-journaled in said housing means; c. a drive means carried on said housing means activating said shaft; d. a cam means carried on said shaft; e. at least one push-button switch responsive to said cam means; f. at least one modular frame member; g. alignment means accurately locating said modular frame member to said housing means; h. switch location means locating said push-button switch in relation to said modular frame member; i. at least one switch actuator capable of activating at least one of said push-button switches in response to said cam means. j. switch actuator pivotal means positioning at least one of said switch actuators in accurate spaced relation to said cam means and providing pivotal support for each of said switch actuators, said switch actuator pivotal means including a plurality of bosses, at least one of said bosses extending from a surface of said modular frame member and another of said bosses extending from said housing means, a central longitudinal axis of each of said bosses being substantially parallel to the rotational axis of said shaft, each of said switch actuators actuating one of said push-button switches in response to at least one cam of said cam means; k. said switch actuator comprising a blade, a channel disposed on said blade near a distal end thereof, an aperture disposed in a side wall of said channel, a pivot projection means protruding from another side wall in a direction substantially coincident with the central axis of said aperture, said aperture pivoted around the outer periphery of one of said bosses of said switch actuator pivotal means, and said pivot projection means pivoted inside an aperture in one of said bosses.
 2. The timer switch according to claim 1 including a bank of said modular frame members wherein said alignment means furthermore accurately locates each of said modular frame members in relation to each other.
 3. The timer switch according to claim 1 wherein said housing means comprises a rear housing and a front plate; said rear housing carrying said drive means and including at least one of said bosses, and said front plate journaled for rotation of said shaft.
 4. The timer switch according to claim 2 wherein said alignment means comprises tabs in each of said modular frame members inserted into mating tab apertures in each of said frame members and also in said housing means and a plurality of screws passing through frame holes and frame slots in said modular frame members and said housing means securing them together.
 5. The timer switch according to claim 1 wherein said switch location means includes at least one frame hole in each of said modular frame members corresponding in size to at least one hole through an end of sAid push-button switch and at least one screw passing through said frame hole, and through said hole in said push-button switch securing said push-button switch to said modular frame member.
 6. The timer switch according to claim 1 wherein said pivot projection means comprises a tab formed as part of said side wall of said actuator.
 7. Switch actuator pivotal means positioning at least one switch actuator in accurate spaced relation to a cam means and providing pivotal support for said switch actuator, said switch actuator being of the type that actuates a push-button switch in response to a cam means, comprising: a. a channel located near a distal end of said switch actuator including an aperture disposed in a side wall of said channel, and a pivot projection means protruding from the other side wall in a direction substantially coincident with the central axis of said aperture; b. a modular frame member positioning at least one switch actuator in accurate relation to said cam means; c. a first boss protruding from said modular frame member having an aperture therein, d. said pivot projection means of said switch actuator pivoted inside said aperture in said first boss, and said aperture of said switch actuator pivoted around the outer periphery of a second boss that is substantially the same physical size and shape of said first boss, said second boss being located external to said modular frame member.
 8. The actuator pivotal means according to claim 7 wherein said pivot projection means comprises a tab formed as part of said side wall of said actuator. 